Adventures of Gil Blas de Santillane

Published in 1715, 'Adventures of Gil Blas de Santillane' by Alain René Le Sage follows the life of Gil Blas, who is born into poverty in Cantabria. After leaving home for the University of Salamanca, his life takes a turn when he is forced to assist robbers and faces imprisonment. As a valet, he navigates various social classes, ultimately rising to prominence at court as a favorite of the king and secretary to the prime minister. The novel is notable for its satirical portrayal of society and its influence on the development of the picaresque genre.